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Coupled Modeling of Hydro-Sedimentary Transfer Processes and Socio-Economic Dynamics Evaluating Public Policies to Control Runoff and Erosion: Case Study in Normandy (France)
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  • Edouard Patault,
  • Jérôme Ledun,
  • Valentin Landemaine,
  • Arnaud Soulignac,
  • Jean-Baptiste Richet,
  • Fanny Ramaekers,
  • Boris Cabaz,
  • Natacha Cikowski,
  • Matthieu Fournier,
  • Jean-François Ouvry,
  • Jean-Daniel Rinaudo,
  • Olivier Cerdan,
  • Benoit Laignel
Edouard Patault
Normandie UNIV, UNIROUEN, UNICAEN, CNRS, M2C, FED-SCALE, Rouen, France

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Jérôme Ledun
AREAS, 2 avenue Foch, F-76460 Saint-Valéry-en-Caux, France
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Valentin Landemaine
BRGM, 3 avenue Claude Guillemin, BP6009, F-45060 Orléans Cedex 2, France
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Arnaud Soulignac
BRGM, 1039 rue de Pinville, F-34000 Montpellier, France
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Jean-Baptiste Richet
AREAS, 2 avenue Foch, F-76460 Saint-Valéry-en-Caux, France
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Fanny Ramaekers
Normandie UNIV, UNIROUEN, UNICAEN, CNRS, M2C, FED-SCALE, Rouen, France
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Boris Cabaz
BRGM, 1039 rue de Pinville, F-34000 Montpellier, France
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Natacha Cikowski
Normandie UNIV, UNIROUEN, UNICAEN, CNRS, M2C, FED-SCALE, Rouen, France
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Matthieu Fournier
Normandie UNIV, UNIROUEN, UNICAEN, CNRS, M2C, FED-SCALE, Rouen, France
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Jean-François Ouvry
AREAS, 2 avenue Foch, F-76460 Saint-Valéry-en-Caux, France
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Jean-Daniel Rinaudo
BRGM, 1039 rue de Pinville, F-34000 Montpellier, France
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Olivier Cerdan
BRGM, 3 avenue Claude Guillemin, BP6009, F-45060 Orléans Cedex 2, France
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Benoit Laignel
Normandie UNIV, UNIROUEN, UNICAEN, CNRS, M2C, FED-SCALE, Rouen, France
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Abstract

Watersheds are complex systems with multiple interactions between physical processes and human-induced socio-economic dynamics. Since the 2000s, numerous flooding and mudslide events have affected the territory in Normandy (France), leading to significant damages. Therefore, a public policy was adopted with the aim to reduce runoff and erosion, it includes: (i) the building of 4,000 hydraulic infrastructures (dams, fascines, hedges, etc.), (ii) the creation of turbidity water-treatment plants and, (iii) the conduction of animation and protection programs on soil and water resources. These investments are co-funded by several local authorities. This original research project aims evaluating the effectiveness of the above-mentioned public policy. Therefore, two complementary approaches are applied: (i) at the regional scale, the investments and damages between 2000 and 2017 were assessed and, (ii) for a pilot small scaled watershed (la Lézarde, 212 km²) a coupled modeling was conducted, taking hydro-sedimentary processes (flood envelopes, diffuse and concentrated erosion, karstic transfers) and associated socio-economic dynamics into account. Our results suggest that over the study period, at the regional scale 500 M\euro were invested to reduce erosion/runoff impacts and, 300 M\euro of damage were caused. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the public policy since 2000s must be evaluated at the watershed scale using a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) according to two main scenarios: S1 = pre-development (2000), and S2 = post-development (2017). The processes that govern the surface transfer are modeled for different design floods (Q10-50-100) coupling two semi-dynamic models (MikeSHE and Watersed), and the karstic transfer using a deep learning algorithm (Tensorflow). Additionally, three long-term scenarios (until 2050) are modeled taking into account the effects of climate change (RCP scenarios), the change in land use (-33% of grassland areas), and the modification of agricultural practices that limit runoff. These projections provide key elements for decision-makers to guide future public policies controlling runoff and erosion in this territory.